Dorchester Collection’s iconic British hotel, The Dorchester, will be participating in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016 by serving afternoon tea in a bespoke pop-up restaurant on-site.
This exclusive afternoon tea showcases the renowned talents of The Dorchester’s head pastry chef, David Girard, and designer florist, Philip Hammond, who have collaborated to create a special dining experience.

Each cake tells a story, from The Dorchester and the Giant Peach, a peach mousse with peach and verbena on a rice crispy biscuit to honour the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth to the Garden Basket, a chocolate signature cake in the shape of a basket filled with green butter cream decoration to symbolise leaves, three sugar flowers and a chocolate lady bird to represent spring time. The signature cake is the Premise of a Gardener, a flower pot filled with lime, white chocolate, fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint sprouting out of chocolate crumble accompanied by berry and hibiscus coulis served in a watering can. This cake symbolises the growth of new plants and ideas, every gardens starts with a small pot and watering can before turning into an exciting adventure for the gardener and the plants themselves.
With a nod to The Dorchester’s heritage, the floral displays in hues of pink and soft peaches complement the pastries and will represent the best of an English country garden with English grown peonies, roses, delphiniums, hydrangeas and campanula. Afternoon tea will include The Dorchester’s famed finger sandwiches, warm scones as well as handmade preserves. Guests will also have the added benefit of accompanying their tea with a glass of acclaimed Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
Commenting on the pop-up afternoon tea, designer florist Philip Hammond said; ‘For me it’s a dream come true to be involved with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, I’m looking forward to recreating the magic of The Dorchester through my floral creations.’
David Girard, head pastry chef said; ‘Chelsea Flower Show has always been a special week at the hotel with our dedicated afternoon tea served in The Promenade but, this year will be significant as for the first time we will have the chance to be at the show serving our bespoke creations to a wider audience.’
Nick Mattingley, RHS head of shows, says: “We’re always seeking new ways to enrich the visitor experience at our flower shows so we are delighted that on top of all the other culinary delights on offer, The Dorchester will be serving its iconic afternoon tea at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2016.”
The Dorchester Afternoon Tea will be served in a specially decorated space at the show, evoking the heritage and glamour of The Promenade, the heart of The Dorchester since 1931. Not only will the room include the famous urns and palms that line The Promenade but guests will be able enjoy live music from our resident pianist and the tea will be served in The Dorchester’s own china bringing a taste of the iconic British hotel to the show.
The Dorchester Afternoon Tea at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will cost from £60 per person available from Tuesday 24 May until Saturday, May 28 2016 served at the following times: 3.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm and 5pm.